GOQii

Blog

Search Results for: kidney

By 2 Comments

Pranayama To Detoxify The Body, Mind And Vital Organs

detox your body with pranayama

Pranayama is the yogic practice of breath control. It means the ability to expand our health by controlling the breath. There are various ways and positions to practice yogic breathing.

The combination of pranayama and meditation has positive effects in curing various problems like acidity, stress, anxiety, skin diseases, improved blood circulation, and managing lifestyle disorders such as thyroid, PCOS, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. 

We breathe daily, right? So what is pranayama? Why Pranayama? 

Pranayama is slow, deep breathing, in a rhythm. The breathing that we do normally is not in rhythm and is non-harmonic. It is in pranayama that gets our mind and organs in sync. There are various pranayama practices which you can do daily. 

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama
This is a famous pranayama practice also known as The Skull Shining Breathing Technique. Kapalbhati has  physiological effects on cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems.

Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama: 

  • It Generates heat in the system to help dissolve toxins and waste matter.
  • Daily practice helps in adding luster to your face and you get glowing skin
  • Improves digestion and can help alleviate gastrointestinal problems like acidity, indigestion and flatulence.
  • Improves the function of kidneys and liver as it provides a gentle massage to the organs.
  • If practiced daily helps in reducing belly fat.
  • Kapalbhati helps reduce stress in the eyes, thus reduces dark circles around the eyes.
  • It triggers your abdominal region, so it’s beneficial for diabetic patients.
  • It improves the blood circulation problem in whole body parts.

2. Anulom Vilom
Also known as Alternate nostril breathing, it has various benefits for the body internally and externally. Oxygen is pure and required by the body for every single process to take place and therefore, it is vital for us to breath right and Anulom Vilom serves the purpose. It is the best way of balancing the Tri Dosas (Tri means “three” and the meaning of dosas is impurities) in our body i.e. Vaat, Pitta and Kaffa. All three are the cause of all diseases. So, it is important to balance them. Our body gets ill when Tri Dosas are not in harmony.

Benefits of Anulom Vilom Pranayama

  • It can provide some relief from mental health problems like Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Tension, etc.
  • Improves the working of the lungs, beneficial for  most respiratory problems like (Bronchitis, Asthma), etc.
  • Best breathing technique for boosting your memory – makes your brain sharper, increases concentration and gathers focus.
  • Improves your immune system, so it can cure general issues like cough & cold.
  • Alternate nostril breathing is an ideal breathing technique for maintaining your heart healthy.

3. Sheetali Pranayama
The meaning of the word “Sheetali” is cooling down. This pranayama practice is a process to cool your body down. It gives the feeling of coldness by decreasing the body temperature, thereby having a positive impact on our nervous system and endocrine glands. Extremely helpful during the summer season.

Benefits of Sheetali Pranayama

  • It is useful in managing disorders related to tongue, mouth and throat.
  • It is very beneficial in treating diseases of the spleen.
  • Helpful in fever by cooling the system down.
  • Controls and manages high blood pressure.
  • It purifies the blood.
  • Improves sleep quality and is best for fighting Insomnia.
  • It calms the mind, as it is an effective stress buster. Once our mind is calm, we can easily deal with negative emotions like  anger and anxiety.
  • Effective in hyperacidity. Excellent for people who have GERD and face issues with acidity and indigestion.

There is another breathing practice similar to Sheetali, known as Sheetkari pranayama. 

Both are similar, the only difference is the way of breathing. In Sheetali, we breathe in by folding the tongue and breathe out from the nose. In Sheetkari, we inhale through the teeth and exhale from the nose.

Benefits of Sheetkari Pranayama

  • Effective against dental problems like bad breath, bleeding gums and pyorrhea.
  • Balances body temperature.
  • Calms the mind, reduces emotional excitation and mental tension.
  • Can help you manage depression, anxiety and panic attacks. 

As a yoga instructor, I get these questions a lot of time: What is the best time to do pranayama? Generally, morning is the best time for a breathing exercise as it helps us activate our organs. Plus, on an empty stomach, we achieve optimum benefits. To know why morning yoga is beneficial, you can have a look at my previous article: https://goqii.com/blog/benefits-of-practicing-morning-yoga-at-home. 

We hope this article helps you! For more on yoga, check out Healthy Reads. You can also get tips and learn more about yoga and pranayama from experts by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here:

#BeTheForce 

By 5 Comments

The Effect Of Complex Carbs On High Cholesterol

complex carbs

The ill effects of high cholesterol is not alien knowledge to us. We all know how it impacts our health and wellbeing. Before we delve into the role complex carbs play with regards to high cholesterol, let’s understand what cholesterol is. It is a waxy substance which our body needs to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But, too much cholesterol is a problem. There is good cholesterol and there is bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is HDL, which is heart friendly fat and bad cholesterol is LDL, Triglycerides which should be within limit. If it increases, it can cause cardiac issues. 

Cholesterol comes from two sources in our body:

  1. From the food we eat like meat, poultry, dairy products, etc.
  2. Our liver makes and releases it in our body

The Correlation of Complex Carbs and Cholesterol  

Carbohydrates is a group of chemical substances made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. They include starches, sugars, glycogen, dextrins and celluloses. There are 2 types of Carbohydrates: Simple carbs and Complex Carbs. Both affect our cholesterol levels differently. 

  1. Simple Carbs: are refined, processed and have less fiber in it. They have a high glycemic index and affect blood sugar. Increased blood sugar will raise insulin levels which may increase cholesterol. Simple carbs are found in sugar, soda, white rice, white bread, pasta, pizza, noodles,cakes, cookies, snacks such as chips, nachos, etc.
  2. Complex Carbs: are high in fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals. The body will take time to break down and release energy/glucose. As complex carbs are high in fiber, it helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helps in healthy heart function, and improves bowel movements. Oatmeal, oat bran, kidney beans, and brussels sprouts are good carbs; they have more soluble fiber, which helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that gets absorbed into the bloodstream. We should include at least 5 to 10 gms of soluble fiber per day to see beneficial effects. Good sources of complex carbs include whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

You should include complex carbs in their natural form. For example: 

  • Have whole fruit instead of fruit juice, soft drinks.
  • Go with whole grain instead of processed flours or refined flours.
  • Limit foods that are high in processed, refined food, simple sugar, which provides calories but has fewer nutrients in it.
  • Have more veggies and fruits which have more fiber and packed vitamins and minerals.
  • Focus on whole grains, cereals, legumes, pulses, sprouts, beans, lentils, and dried peas, etc.

Complex carbs help us reduce bad cholesterol. Always choose it over simple carbs. We hope this article helps you make healthy food choices. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or for further guidance, speak to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce 

By 1 Comment

The Miraculous Health Benefits Of Horse Gram

horse gram

Horse gram, also known as Kulthi Dal, is neither unique nor ordinary. It is lesser-known and most still don’t recognize this precious ingredient. Its medicinal effects are enormous. It doesn’t play an important role in any cuisine but it can make any cuisine healthier and might enhance the nutritional value once it is fully adopted by any regional cuisine.

Medicinal Uses of Horse Gram

  1. Anti Hyperglycemic: Horse gram seed possesses antihyperglycemic properties which control the glucose level in the blood. It lessens the absorption of carbohydrates and has copious amounts of soluble fiber.
  2. Hemolytic Activity: The seeds make anti-inflammatory drugs that efficiently neutralize indirect hemolytic activity.
  3. Diuretic activity: Kulthi Dal increases the flow of urine. It creates pressure on the deposited stone and thanks to this pressure, the stone comes down and gets removed through urination. One of the studies published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India in 2010 compared the effect of Kultha and potassium citrate on 47 patients with renal stones. It has been concluded that Kultha is often used to reduce the recurrence of calcium oxalate stone and had better results than the utilization of conventional potassium citrate.
  4. Treats Jaundice: Horse gram water is being used in Andhra Pradesh for the treatment of Jaundice.
  5. Relieves Cough and Cold: When consumed as soup, it helps relieve congestion by liquifying mucus and opens up the nasal tracts, allowing the mucus membranes to melt-up. Thus, horse gram water has been found effective in relieving cough and cold. This helps with easy breathing since the specified nutrients are boosting the metabolism of the body and immunity as well.
  6. Helps Weight Loss: Consuming this miraculous gram helps reduce body weight. Also, if we add powdered horse gram with sour buttermilk and apply it to the fat deposited area, it helps to cut back the fat.
  7. Treats Leucorrhea: Kulth is also used as a treatment for leucorrhoea (discharge from the vagina) and menstrual disorders in the hilly regions. According to Ayurveda, if we soak a handful of these overnight in a bowl of water, and boil it the subsequent day and use this water for consumption thrice daily, it will help treat the symptoms of leucorrhea. Being rich in iron, proteins, and calcium, is really good for kids too.
  8. Treats Piles: Piles happen when the veins in the rectum swell up and get inflamed, causing a lot of pain. Despite rushing to the pharmacy for medication and treatment, experts recommend the utilization of horse gram. Soak a cup of these overnight and consume the water the next day. Eat the gram steamed as a salad as well. The roughage in it, together with the fibre, helps treat piles effectively.
  9. Rich source of various natural bioactive substances: such as phytic acid, fibre and phenolic acid, etc. These bioactive substances have immense potential for curing different types of diseases such as cold, streptococcal sore throat, fever, urinary stones, asthma, bronchitis and leucoderma, etc.
  10. Skin Rashes and Boils: Horse gram can also be used as a topical pack to treat rashes, boils, and disorders of the skin to some extent. This is because it is antimicrobial and antibacterial, and has plenty of antioxidants in it in conjunction with minerals to nourish, replicate the healthy lipid layers of the skin and more.

Best Recipes

  • Kulthi Water: It is a lengthy process but truly natural without any side effects. Soak 25 grams in 250 ml of water overnight and in the morning, strain the water and drink this water on an empty stomach. Later, add the same amount of water in the same soaked horse gram and drink it for lunch. Continuing this process for 6 months will help break kidney stones. Later on, you’ll make thin dal of this soaked horse gram and can be consumed along with rice or roti.
  • Kulthi soup: Take 200 grams of kulthi dal with 2 liters of water and boil it on a slow flame for around 4-5 hours. When it’s reduced to half, consume it for lunchtime. Try having this soup alone at that time. Within a week or two, it will start working.

That’s a lot of nutritional and health benefits, don’t you think? Go get your horse grams now! We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below! For more on nutrition and food, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

By 2 Comments

The Rainbow Diet: Decoding The Color Of Foods For Good Health!

the rainbow diet

Different foods have different colors, this is because of the different coloured pigments in them. These pigments, also called phytonutrients (phytoplants), provide various benefits to our body. Specific phytonutrients have specific functions, each playing a crucial role in the well being of humans. While immunity and good health is just a play of a well functioning organ system, it is very important to take care of each organ and function in particular. This can only be made sure when the diet is diverse and sufficient in all essential nutrients and in moderation. Hence, the Rainbow Diet! 

What Is The Rainbow Diet?

The rainbow diet focuses on the consumption of a variety of colourful and fresh produce in your meals. Ensuring a colourful diet, ensures indiscriminate intake of all nutrients and also protects from any deficiencies that may have detrimental health outcomes. As a low or high of any one specific nutrient can disturb the peculiar balance of the optimum nutrient complex imperial to maintain good health.

The mantra of “eating the rainbow” inspires to add more color and colourful plant foods to the diet. It is a health based trend rather than the fads that provoke masses to avoid gluten, fats, lactose, carbs and what not! Here, all you need to do is add as many colors to your diet as possible in the form of different coloured plant based foods and that’s how you make sure you are doing right to your body! That way, one never has to worry about balancing as the rainbow diet is naturally balanced and with no side effects.

How Does It Help?

The abundance of supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules from the rainbow diet, translates to a good immunogenic response by the body and allows effective combat against biological stressors and oxidative stress. In addition to this, plant foods are rich in fiber and prebiotics, both of which improve digestive function and gut health, making sure the best absorption of all available nutrients.

In all, the rainbow diet is beneficial for avoiding cardiovascular diseases and maintaining heart health, protecting against cancer, building good immunity and restricting infections. Additionally, it also helps in reducing weight, keeping away obesity related disorders, helps maintain good hair, skin and nails, keeps your energy levels high and improves overall good mood!

The Color Code Of Foods 

Here you may find options of foods under each color and health function category and learn about its role.

Red Immune health Cherry, cranberry, raspberry, watermelon, pomegranate, red plums, strawberry, red grapes, dragon fruit, apple, tomato, red pepper, beetroot, kidney beans, red amaranth Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulating
Orange Reproductive health Orange, papaya, sweet potato, persimmon, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mango, muskmelon, peach, apricot, almond, paprika Endocrine modulation, fat-soluble antioxidants, role in ovulation and fertility
Yellow Digestive health Banana, pineapples, ginger, lemon, yellow zucchini, corn, sweet lime, yellow pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, honey, whole grains and husk Anti-inflammatory, binders, fibres, catalysts, gastric motility, glycemic response, prebiotic
Green Cardiovascular health Spinach, kale, fenugreek, radish leaves, micro greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, green beans, olives, avocado, kiwi, grapes, green apple, pear, parsley, pumpkin seeds Clotting, detoxification, methylation, vasodilation, binders, antioxidants
Blue- Purple Brain health Purple grapes, fig, purple jam, blueberry, mulberry, jamun (java plum), prunes, plums, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple onion, lavender Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, brain protective, cognition support, neuronal support
White Skeletal health Cauliflower, milk/curd/paneer (cottage cheese), coconut, sesame, radish, soyabean, turnips, white onion, garlic, sunflower seeds Probiotic, strengthening, absorptive, energising

We hope this article on the Rainbow Diet helps you choose and adapt these foods to your diet! Do try it and let us know in the comments below! For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or to get nutrition information, tips and recipes directly from your GOQii Coach, sign up for Personalised Health Coaching here. 

Eat healthy and #BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]